Napier May 25th 1875 My dear McLean The Southern Cross is away to Wellington so I conclude you could not get away by her. There is not much news from Auckland that I can gather - Reader Wood seems playing a curious sort of game - He sticks to abolition but appears to have arranged to go in as a supporter of Grey - I have just seen Hamlin about Mangatainoka and he is going out to see you on the same subject. I do not think he will get the Block under £12,000 and very likely he will have to pay more. Anyhow it must be bought as the line of both Road and Railway runs through it - I have advised Hamlin to refuse go go into any acreage rate with the natives but to stick to a lump sum. He can himself calculate the acreage price - He talks of beginning by an offer at the rate of about 2/6d an acre. About the arrangement with Barker and Co. I looked over the agreement and it seems all right - I telegraphed you this morning I would act as representing the Govt. but in the course of the morning I heard that it was reported I had arranged it to secure Cable's support, so I told Locke his name had better appear instead of mine. He has accordingly been named in the Deed - I see little Sheehan has resigned at Auckland and that he said he had twelve months work before him here - I have no other news I am glad to hear you are still getting better. Yours always J.D. Ormond Enclosed from Charlie O'Neill is one of the crop of difficulties you expected from the Chairmanship of Committees being vacant. It is a great nuisance just now. J.D.O.